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"Blacken the sky Can't stand to see the sun The truth of light Reveals the hatred that has won" – I Saw The End by Pallbearer

Suaren Gerizpea was recently released by Helde, a band from Spain who play black metal in the traditional strain. They formed in 2006 but did not record their debut until 2012 which was a split with Somberlain. This is their full length and it is six tracks of black metal played in the strain of the black metal of old.

Helde right off the bat try to paint a picture of darkness and gloom with their album cover. Inside is more darkness and gloom, but they’re more upfront about it. The music never stops once it’s rolling, like one massive wave of hate. The songs are relatively short, keeping you off balance with their sensory assault. The music comes at you in all directions, but one thing remains the same, and that is the intensity and fury in which it is played.

If the guitarist didn’t break a few strings while recording this album I’d truly be surprised. The sharp riffs whip around like a hurricane, the drums are unhinged and the lead singer cries at the top of his lungs as if he was getting dragged to hell at the very moment when they were recording. The vocals are rapid fire at times adding to the full on metallic attack, and at certain points he belts out a hellish war cry.

The feeling is meant to make you feel dark and cold. Wherever you are sitting, you are suppose to be shrouded in blankets of darkness and misery. The entire album isn’t just assault after assault they do have some melodic parts thrown in as well to keep it interesting so you don’t get too overwhelmed.

The album is short however, but it is packed with sordid black metal. Suaren Gerizpea will be over before you know it, and you’ll have to press play again to listen and get a grip on what is happening. But with each listen, the album doesn’t get any less enjoyable. The album is enjoyable and they’re doing exactly what they set out to do and that is to play old school black metal. And after the first replay, you will find yourself wanting to hit replay over again to listen to some good black metal. Listen to some Helde, sneak back in to the darkness and head bang until you get whip lash.